SINGER-SONGWRITER Matthew Frederick is following his dream to musical stardom.

Just months after winning Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Sonig singer-songwriter competition, Matthew took to the stage alongside stars at the flagship Ponty’s Big Weekend event and landed a major record deal.

Matthew, 22, studied at Tonypandy Community College and then went on to read Music and English at the University of Leeds, working towards his dream of becoming a music star.

He took advantage of the extraordinary opportunities on offer to work with Sonig, entering and winning the Sonig singer-songwriter competition – and the prize of performing at the Council’s Ponty’s Big Weekend, which also starred The Wanted, Dionne Bromfield and Matthew’s former schoolmate Sophie Evans.

Matthew said: “The Big Weekend was amazing. Playing in front of around 4,000 people has been my biggest gig to date.

“It was also great to meet up and catch up with Sophie again, as we were in the same school together.”

Fresh from his debut gig at Ponty’s Big Weekend, Matthew went on to take part in a photo-shoot and interview for Plugged In magazine and signed to Kissan Records, run by record producer Hywel Wigley and his harpist wife Catrin Finch.

Hywel and Catrin set up Kissan Records at Acapela Studios by in a converted chapel in Pentyrch in 2002.

Matthew said: “Working with Hywel and Catrin has been really good. Their studio has a brilliant feel about it – the old chapel is absolutely beautiful.”

Matthew, who helps run Blues Night at Clwb y Bont, Pontypridd, on the last Wednesday of the month, beat off some strong competition to be crowned Singer-Songwriter of the Year.

His debut EP, called Venus and Mars, recorded at Acapela Studios in conjunction with the council’s Sonig Youth Music Industry programme, will be out in the autumn on national release and on iTunes.

Hosted by Sonig Youth Music Industry and the Muni Arts Centre, the annual singer-songwriter competition proved a great success.

Coun Robert Bevan, the council’s cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism, said: “There is so much musical talent in Rhondda Cynon Taff and a lot of original music being produced by young people.

“We are determined to do all we can to help our young people follow their dreams into the creative industry and interventions such as Sonig are allowing those dreams to become realities for residents – Matthew is testament to that.

“Young people across the county borough are given the opportunity to learn about the music industry and shine in the various events and gigs that are hosted in Rhondda Cynon Taff every year.”

Through workshops, seminars, music surgeries and band events, more than 30,000 children and young people have engaged with the Sonig Youth Music Industry programme to date.

For more information on the Sonig Youth Music Industry Programme or to get involved, call 01443 490205 or 0778 652 3613, or email sonig@rhondda- cynon-taff.gov.uk